Colleen Alter
Name meaning, origin and global statistics
Colleen Alter is a name that combines Irish origins. The first name Colleen is a feminine given name of Irish origin. Colleen is an English-language name of Irish origin. It derives from the Irish word cailín "girl/woman", the diminutive of caile "woman, countrywoman". Although it derives from the Irish language, Colleen as a given name is rare in Ireland, but far more popular in Irish-descended communities in the United States, Canada, Britain, Australia, and New Zealand. The surname Alter: Alter is both a surname and a given name. German and Jewish (Ashkenazic): distinguishing epithet for the older of two bearers of the same personal name. For the Ashkenazim: from the Yiddish personal name Alter, an inflected form of alt (‘old’). This was in part an omen name, expressing the parents’ hope that the child would live a long life; in part an apotropaic name, given to a child born after the death of a sibling, but also said to have sometimes been assumed by someone who was seriously ill. Colleen is a distinctive first name, carried by approximately 143K people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Colleen reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.
Etymology & Origin
First Name: Colleen
Irish
Colleen is an English-language name of Irish origin. It derives from the Irish word cailín "girl/woman", the diminutive of caile "woman, countrywoman". Although it derives from the Irish language, Colleen as a given name is rare in Ireland, but far more popular in Irish-descended communities in the United States, Canada, Britain, Australia, and New Zealand.
Surname: Alter
Hebrew
Alter is both a surname and a given name. German and Jewish (Ashkenazic): distinguishing epithet for the older of two bearers of the same personal name. For the Ashkenazim: from the Yiddish personal name Alter, an inflected form of alt (‘old’). This was in part an omen name, expressing the parents’ hope that the child would live a long life; in part an apotropaic name, given to a child born after the death of a sibling, but also said to have sometimes been assumed by someone who was seriously ill.
Geographic Distribution
The first name Colleen is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:
Popularity Over Time
Popularity of the name Colleen by decade, based on birth registration data:
Numerology
According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Colleen Alter:
Freedom and adaptability. A dynamic, versatile personality that embraces change and seeks new experiences.
Master Builder (Master Number 22). Combines grand vision with the practical ability to achieve lasting, large-scale goals.
Leadership and independence. This number suggests a self-reliant, ambitious and pioneering personality that forges its own path.
Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the origin of the first name Colleen?
- The first name Colleen originates from Irish. Colleen is an English-language name of Irish origin. It derives from the Irish word cailín "girl/woman", the diminutive of caile "woman, countrywoman". Although it derives from the Irish language, Colleen as a given name is rare in Ireland, but far more popular in Irish-descended communities in the United States, Canada, Britain, Australia, and New Zealand.
- When was Colleen most popular?
- The name Colleen reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
- What is the origin of the surname Alter?
- The surname Alter originates from Hebrew. Alter is both a surname and a given name. German and Jewish (Ashkenazic): distinguishing epithet for the older of two bearers of the same personal name. For the Ashkenazim: from the Yiddish personal name Alter, an inflected form of alt (‘old’). This was in part an omen name, expressing the parents’ hope that the child would live a long life; in part an apotropaic name, given to a child born after the death of a sibling, but also said to have sometimes been assumed by someone who was seriously ill.
- What are the origins of the name Colleen Alter?
- The name Colleen Alter combines two different traditions: the first name Colleen has Irish roots, while the surname Alter originates from Hebrew.